Adult Scoliosis: What is surgery like? Outcomes? Recovery?

I was 66 when I saw a scoliosis surgeon. He advised me at that time that I needed to do the surgery. I was afraid, so I continued to wait, with my spine moving another 20% on each of the curves. You will recover faster when you are in your 60's vs when you are even older.

That's what I am struggling with. I know I will need this surgery at some point. I have daily pain, can't sit and sleep is difficult. I have a high pain tolerance so I can continue to pretend. Part of me says to get this taken care of and not put off the inevitable but I am a bit afraid of the procedure. I am not afraid of the pain or work needed following the surgery.

The surgery would be advisable at this point in your life vs waiting hoping to improve and aging more and more when going under will more dangerous. Good luck.

I am able to stand without any assistance. The neurosurgeon told me he is there for me either to talk or have further imaging to inquire regarding the scoliosis progression. I appreciate your communication.

UB neurosurgery Dr Mullen in Buffalo

My 73 year old sister has scoliosis. A back doc told her if the didn’t fix it she would have a very painful death 😩 what a pal he is.

Anyhow, has anyone had surgery for scoliosis? Exercises that help? It really progressed over the last six years. She looks like her upper body is put on crooked.

She did just have lower back surgery which improved her disk situation tremendously. Oh, and her bones are soft. Any thoughts/help?

Wow, “a very painful death;” that’s extreme.

Surgery is usually the last resort. Would your sister want to consider a second opinion, with a different type of provider or surgeon? Seeing a physiatrist (physical medicine and rehab doctor) may help—they’re internists that also have training in how physical therapy and other interventions can help. They tend to look at things more holistically.

Or even seeing a PT if she hasn’t consulted one yet?

To answer your question, I’ve had surgery for scoliosis—it was a spinal fusion, but I had it at age 11, preventatively (and it was my parents’ decision) so I couldn’t tell you if exercise would have helped or not. My curve was categorized as “severe,” so surgery was I suppose meant to prevent what your sister may be experiencing now.

The risks to this kind of surgery increase with age and you also mention “soft bones” (osteoporosis?). This sounds risky.

I do know my parents took me for a second opinion and ended up going with the second surgeon’s plan, so it’s usually helpful to get a second opinion and gather more information about other options besides surgery if you can.

Are those soft bones osteoporotic? Luckily there are some good medications now (Tymlos and Forteo) that build strong bone. Surgery for scoliosis involves rods and screws. If your sister's bones are too soft they will be unable to hold the hardware. Both of the mentioned osteoporosis drugs help integrate the hardware in addition to making the bone stronger. I'd get an endocrinologist involved before getting second opinions from orthopedists.
There are newer rods that can move which are better than the older hardware.
Painful death conversations are manipulative, still surgery might be a good choice.
There is something called Clear Scoliosis that you might want to check into. It is a system of bracing and exercise.
Best luck

I am to see an ortho specialist for levoscoliosis in three weeks. He is associated with Barrow Institute. I did have the imaging, as I was curious to find out the curvature, which is at 18%. I am curious to hear what he has to say. I am extremely active, and at age 69, I want to continue with the sports I love into my 80's.

Good luck~. Let us know. I take it the 18% curve is causing you problems? I know my sister’s curve is much higher at 18%. I hope you get to continue all your activities, too! I’m in the same boat with my ankle and not being able to find someone who tells me why it hurts and I can no longer run beyond 1/4 mile. I will preservere!